OU synchronized skaters round out a successful season

The OU Synchronized Skating Club performs during a recent competition.

By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant

In January, the OU Synchronized Skating Club earned a pewter medal for their fourth-place showing at the 2009 Mid-America Synchronized Skating Championships in Fraser, Mich.

The team recently capped off their season in Denver, Colorado, at the Midwestern Pacific Synchronized Skating Championships, finishing in fifth place and narrowly missing out on another medal.

“I feel that we’ve had a very successful season this year,” said team president Allison Shishakly. “We skated very well at both these competitions and all members were very pleased with our performance.”

Now in its third year, the team consists of 10 members who practice together once a week at the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield Hills. Team coach Sarah Feldt said the group made tremendous strides with each performance this season.

“I am really proud of the way this team came together,” she said, adding that some skaters on this year’s team were new to the sport.

“The more experienced skaters gracefully took on the challenge of working with the new skaters to help them master the footwork and connections,” she added. “At each competition, the team looked more comfortable and confident on the ice.”

The team will be holding tryouts for next season in the spring. Those interested in learning more about the OU Synchronized Skating Club can contact Professor Chris Stiller at (248) 370-4047.